On November 12, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated their Nursing Home Visitation Guidance. After over a year and a half of residents and their loved ones being separated from each other and subject to confusing and often ignored nursing home visitation guidance, visitation is now allowed at all times for all residents, including indoor visitations. All visitors must continue to adhere to infection prevention practices.
Additional key points of new guidance include:
Facilities can no longer limit frequency and length of visits, number of visitors, or require advanced scheduling of visits.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents can have close contact, including touch. Visitors should be advised of the risks of physical contact with unvaccinated residents before the visit.
Communal activities and dining may occur while adhering to core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention. The safest approach is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask while in communal areas.
These guidelines DO NOT apply to assisted living communities or personal care homes which are governed by state law.
You can read the revised Guidance in full by clicking here.
Additionally, pursuant to CMS requirements, all nursing home staff must be fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022.
Please contact Rothkoff Law Group should you have any questions on the revised Guidance.